ZIMBABWE: Zimbabwe Elephant + Leopard

[Tusker]

Hi yall!

I will keep my updates on this thread on a daily basis for the next 15 days. I believe is best to type with the emotion of the moment rather than after the hunt.

Safari description: The objective of this safari is a little ambitious (to say the least) since we (my brother and I) are attempting to get 2 bull elephant and 1 leopard in a 10 day hunt. I wish we could stay longer but we both have families and both work, so this is all the time we were able to negotiate. Of course, we will shoot some other stuff. Lets see how it goes!

DAY 1 - August 3:

Tonight Im departing to Vic Falls (...35+ hour itinerary) with Qatar Airways. Miami to Doha, then to Harare and a final lap to VFA.
No much to tell, but if any tip comes across, i'll post it here!
All luggage and paperwork is ready to go.

 

[dchum]

Wow what a hunt with your brother. I love sharing a hunt with those you are close with.
Special

I wish yall booth good luck and safety.

Get er done!!!! Go get some ivory and a big cat you can’t even pick up yourself. Very jealous.

 

[Green Chile]

Yea those are ambitious goals if you are 2x1 but it's possible. Curious who you are going with and what guns you are taking. Good luck!

 

[VertigoBE]

A great adventure about to begin, these are some of the most exciting moments, just on the cusp of starting the travels!

What is hiding in the case?

 

[Skshyk]

Good luck and safe travelers! Who is the outfitter ?

 

[Fatback]

Quite the adventure y’all are embarking on. Safe travels and good luck in your hunt. Enjoy every minute.

 

[Mark Biggerstaff]

Good luck and safe travels.

 

[Mtn_Infantry]

Good luck and safe travels. Where are you hunting around Vic Falls and who are you hunting with?

Might be too late but if you have an opportunity to grab a little thicker/heavier duty gun case on the way to the airport, it might be worth the investment. My Pelican and SKB’s have chunks missing. One of my SKB bow cases Qatar managed to break (no damage to the internals).

 

[JerBear8]

Good luck to you and your brother! Looking forward to your future updates.

 

[Tusker]

Good morning from Matetsi!
Yesterday, after numerous layovers and endless rifle checks, I made it to camp.

Today we went to check for elephant activity and saw the first herd. Also checked on a couple of baits and tonight we will wait at a bait that has been hit by a big tom. Fingers crossed!

About flights, heads-up to Qatar Airways and Fastjet. They made all the process quite pleasant. I broke the tradition of having to tip left and right to every police officer when dealing with guns and still all guns and ammo made it.

 

[Green Chile]

That photo really captures it...wish I was there!

 

[enysse]

Good Luck and safe travels!

 

[Tusker]

The last 24 hours have been a roller coaster. First days of safari all we did was to hunt for bait, replace bait, chase buffalo and look for elephant activity.
We could only find elephant females in certain areas, but no mature bulls. When suddenly at sunset, 3 bulls came over a ridge about 1 kilometre from our location, and off we went to give them a try. I shot mine probably at 25 meters on top of a mountain with almost not light,,, a magical moment.
This morning went went to pick it up and take photos when we got a call from a cowboy that had seen a "BIG bull". Everyone knows that you must set low expectations when you get these calls from a local cowboy, but off we went.
About an hour later we met him and went inside the river forrest. My brother shot is at 23 meters and it barely run 50 meters into a ravine where it collapse. Only bad thing is that this big tusker broke both tusk (photo of the biggest piece we could find).
Tomorrow time to continue baiting and also look for buffalo.
Ill keep you all posted!

 

[Green Chile]

There's nothing like the feel of old ivory. Love it.

 

[Mtn_Infantry]

Congratulations on the bulls. Absolutely awesome trophies. Would love to hear the estimates and see what they actually weigh out at.

 

[BryceM]

Sounds exciting! The broken tusks can be repaired. Take great pains to ensure all of the ivory remains together throughout the taxidermy prep and import process.

 

[BRICKBURN]

Fortune was smiling on you both. Congratulations on your success.